HESPERIA >> The payoff wasn’t so sweet for a Hesperia man arrested for stealing more than 7,500 pounds of candy from a delivery truck, sheriff’s officials said.

Jesus Ibarra, 35, was arrested Thursday morning after deputies discovered the missing sweets in his garage, according to a San Bernardino County sheriff’s news release.

Excel Corporation, the west coast distributor for Mars Candy Company, contracted a private trucking company to deliver candy that had not passed inspection to San Bernardino for destruction, sheriff’s officials said.

The truck arrived at its destination missing approximately 7,500 pounds of candy.

Investigators found online advertisements on High Desert Deals, a popular Facebook site, and Craigslist, of a man selling bulk candy from his home, sheriff’s officials said.

A search warrant was issued for Ibarra’s home in the 13000 Block of Modesto Court in Hesperia. Investigators said the entire garage had been converted into a candy store with approximately 30 racks of candy in boxes, which were labeled with prices.

Loss prevention officers from Excel were able to positively identify the candy in Ibarra’s home by the serial numbers on the side of the boxes, sheriff’s officials said.

Ibarra was booked at High Desert Detention Center and released Thursday night after posting $50,000 bail. No court date was set.

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